The defender, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, will return to North London to play under a new manager following Redknapp's shock departure.

But the former Manchester City player believes Spurs' failure to secure UEFA Champions League football will force his Croatia team-mate to look elsewhere.

Spurs finished fourth in the Premier League but missed out on a return to the top table of continental competition after Chelsea's triumph over Bayern Munich in the final saw the Blues take England's remaining berth alongside Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Very difficult

"We all know it will be very difficult for Spurs to keep Luka because they do not have Champions League football next season," he is quoted as saying in The Sun.

"Luka is one of the best players in the world and the kind who wants to play in the best competition.

"Not getting into the Champions League will cost Spurs next season, even though they were unlucky to get fourth place and still not be there."

Modric was a transfer target for the Blues last summer and has insisted he will not make any decision over his future until after this summer's European Championship.